Do you need some inspiration for your undercover cop novel? The following 20 detective fiction writing prompts will help you!
1. Starting From Scratch
A detective wakes up on a bench in the city park with no idea how they got there, or who they are. They slowly start to learn they are the lead detective in a high-profile case, which they know nothing about! How will they not only piece together the case, but their own memories, too?
2. A Fairytale Ending
A detective begins investigating a series of gruesome murders which appear to be inspired by various fairytales. How can they use these children’s stories to not only find the killer but also predict who the next victim might turn out to be before it is too late?
3. Retracing Your Steps
A retired detective, haunted by an unsolved case from their past, is drawn back into the world of crime-solving when a series of similar murders start occurring. As they reopen the cold case, they realize that the killer might still be at large and closer than they ever imagined.
4. A Close Knit Crime
In a small town where everyone knows everybody, a heinous murder takes place. The local police detective, completely inexperienced with serious crimes such as this, must try to find the truth when almost everyone is able to raise their finger at one another as the culprit. Who is telling the truth, and is there something more sinister at play?
5. The Care Home Killer
A resident dies at the old people’s home where a detective’s mother lives. Despite everyone in the nursing home chalking the death up to natural causes, the detective feels that there is foul play involved. As more and more residents start to die, will they be able to find out who, or what is responsible?
6. All in a Day’s Work
A detective arrives to work at the precinct to find out that the entire building is on lockdown. Apparently, someone murdered one of the detectives on the night shift and they believe that the suspect is still in the building. Can the detective work out which of his colleagues is the murderer, or will the true killer remain at large?
7. Shady Dealings
On the trail of a stolen artifact, a detective ends up stumbling upon an international black market. How will they navigate the criminal underworld, and with so many priceless items exchanging hands, will they find that there are bigger fish to fry?
8. Murder He Wrote
A detective is called to a remote island resort to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a famous author. As they search for clues, they find themselves trapped in a deadly game inspired by the author’s own novels, with each turn leading them closer to the truth.
9. Snitches get Stitches
A violent murder takes place at a village hall where a group of old ladies hold a knitting club. One of the group was the victim, yet all of the remaining ladies remain tight-lipped and in denial of any involvement. Can a young detective brought in on the case discover the truth?
10. The Great Experiment
A scientist that is on the verge of creating a groundbreaking technology goes missing. The detective that takes on the case finds this goes past a matter of them simply disappearing and might lead to a corporate conspiracy on a global scale.
11. Class Matters
A detective is called to a prestigious boarding school where a student has been found dead under mysterious circumstances. As they navigate the complex dynamics of the school’s elite students, they uncover a dangerous game of secrets and manipulation.
12. Supernatural Suspects
Even in a world where supernatural beings exist, crimes still need to be solved. How does a human detective navigate the complexity of cases where magic, immortal beings, and monsters are involved?
13. History Repeats Itself
Every 20 years, a murder takes place with a victim and an MO that are practically identical. A new murder has taken place, and a rookie detective joins forces with the detective assigned to the last case 20 years ago. Will they be able to work together and finally figure out the truth behind the killings?
14. Hit Record
A serial killer starts to leave video tapes at the scene of their crime, addressing the detective assigned to the case. Soon, the tapes end up being put in their mailbox, and end up getting much more frequent. Can the detective figure out the killer’s identity based on the tapes, and what happens when they record their own video for the killer?
15. Killer in the Sky
A murder occurs on an airplane on a long-haul flight. Luckily, there is a detective on board who starts to question the witnesses. However, as more people end up dead, will they be able to figure out what is going on before the plane lands?
16. Risk and Reward
A detective is on their last warning from the chief of police due to their reckless behavior. In a last shot at glory, the detective stakes their career on solving the most notorious unsolved crime in the database. Their boss agrees, thinking the task is impossible.
17. You’ve Been Framed
A detective is investigating what they believe to be a pretty straightforward murder case. However, when evidence starts to come forward that suggests that they are the killer, how will they navigate their way to the truth?
18. Opposites Attract
An eager rookie detective gets paired with a jaded old colleague on a case. Their assignment has them both facing their own demons and insecurities, almost as if the killer knows their deepest fears. Will they be able to work together to be able to crack the case and support each other through their hardships?
19. The Real Deal
A detective is tasked with solving a series of art forgeries that have been circulating in the art world. As they delve into the underground world of art forgery, they realize that the forgeries are tied to a much larger scheme involving stolen masterpieces and a shadowy collector.
20. Cracking the Cipher
A detective with a unique talent for deciphering codes is called to solve a cryptic puzzle left behind by a notorious criminal. As they follow the trail of clues, they become entangled in a game of wits with the criminal mastermind. Will they be able to solve the mystery, or will their opponent still remain two steps ahead?